Preparing the lime

It all begins with stones, calcium-laden stones that can be found from river beds to mountain tops. Since ancient times, humans have learned to burn them at such high temperatures that their composition changes, transforming their compact, solid matter into a crumbly chalk-like structure. This is known as quicklime. When water is added to it, an exothermic reaction occurs, resulting in dislocation, expansion and high heat. Once it has cooled and dried, the newly formed “slaked lime” can be used as a coating.

The first documented use of lime dates back to the Epipaleolithic period in the Near East, where it was used as glue to make small tools. It was found in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome in the Middle Ages and right up to the present day, e.g. in the Cyclades, one of the best-known examples with their gorgeous white houses and alleyways.

The stones that are burnt into lime in the Engadine are special: they are dolomites. They are not pure limestone, as they also contain magnesium. This property makes them more resistant than pure limestone.